Ichigo Ichie - What We Are Experincing Right Now Will Never Happen Again

The Japanese Art of Making the Most of Every Moment

Hello dear readers!

I found myself this week feeling extremely busy, yet unable to recount everything I did that kept me so busy. Running errands, doing housework, writing, cooking, eating, reading… I realized I was simply going through the motions of “doing” without actually experiencing any of it. How sad, I realized, to go through life like this. With so many small moments that may bring a smile or a contemplative thought, we waste them away by simply not paying attention.

This week, let’s explore Ichigo Ichie, living in the moment ⏳

~Suzanne

Living ichigo ichie is to create a life of unique, unforgettable moments. Some call this living in the moment or mindfulness.

When my boys were young, we used to take them up to New Hampshire every fall to ride the train through the white mountains and see the changing leaves. It was the same trip each year, the same train, the same trees, but each year was a new and different experience. Each year the boys were a year older. The weather may have affected that year’s leaf colors. It might be sunny or rainy. And each year was just as special as the last.

There are similar things I remember from my childhood like celebrating Christmas. Every year we had a real cut tree located in the same spot in the front window of the livingroom. Each tree was unique in shape and size, but each year, there might be a new ornament added to the mix. As young children, the gifts were all for my brother and I. As we got older, we also began giving gifts to our parents and to each other. I can remember specific moments from various years, like a certain gift given or received. It was the same holiday, every December 25th, but each held its own special magic.

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” -Heraclitus

These unforgettable moments don’t have to be reserved for holidays or special events. Ichigo ichie reminds us that every moment is special. Every moment is a once in a lifetime event. Whether it’s meeting someone for the first time or having a weekly lunch with a lifelong friend.

My plan going forward is to take each moment: each meal, each load of laundry, each kiss goodbye and celebrate it for the magical moment it is: the once in a lifetime event that will never occur in the same way again. Rather than looking back on the “special” events, my hope is to create every moment as rare and memorable.

It’s here… Almost!

Book 3, the Mindfulness Journal is almost ready for release, but the Mindfulness Journal Card Deck is here! I’m so excited to have published my first card deck. It can be used on its own or alongside the Mindfulness Journal. Check it out here: